The Kaduna State Government on Wednesday ordered the immediate closure of the Assemblies of God Churches in Saminaka to avert a break down of law and order.
The government, which took the decision after the State Security Council meeting, also directed the closure of the Church’s seminary, school and hospital, all located in Saminaka, Lere Local Government Area of the state.
A statement by Samuel Aruwan, spokesperson to Governor Nasiru El-Rufai, indicated that the decision became necessary following protracted leadership crises in the Church, which was threatening the peace and stability of the state.
The government said the order on the closure would subsist until the determination of the leadership crises currently before the Supreme Court.
It said students and other persons affected by the order would be relocated to government schools and hospitals.
The statement said: “Kaduna State Government wishes to reiterate that it will not tolerate the use of religion and ethnicity to cause crisis in the state.
“The government has also announced that it will prosecute anyone, no matter his or her standing that is implicated in fomenting crisis in whatever form in the State.”
The statement further said efforts to reconcile the factions in the church had remained unsuccessful due to the selfishness of those involved in the crisis.
It added: “The Council reviewed previous efforts made to resolve the crisis.
“It noted that these were aborted by those involved in the leadership tussle, principally to preserve their personal interests with little concern for the common good, and the peace and security of Kaduna State.”
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the affected institutions are Theological Seminary of Northern Nigeria, Shalom Comprehensive College, AGC Evangelist Hospital and the two Assemblies of God Churches in Saminaka.
NAN.
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